Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 16817, Richard Gay, Conn.

(-17-)
SERVICE
Conn.
Gray, Richard
NUMBER _____
S. 16817
Carded
CONTENTS

28171 Connecticut
Richard Gay
Cartford in the State of Connecticut was a private in the Connecticut by Captain Hemenway of the reg t commanded by Col. Huntington in the Connecticut line for 6 mos. & 20 days prof. Infantry 3 - - - 7 - - - Cavalry
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 35 Dollars 67 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of March 1834 and 2 P.
Livett Granby Gen
Arrears to the 4th of March 107.00 Semi-ann. allowance ending Sept 5 17.83 $124.83
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Not June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Dan d Boyd Clerk, Book 5 Vol. 7 Page 15
1884 Nov 12 F B Gay to State the object of enquiry & what use to be made of the information Prior 1884 Nov 18 F B Gay with history Prior

State of Connecticut - Hartford County - Estate of Emily L. 'on the 28. Day of September 1932 - Personally appeared in open court before Isaac Griffin Esq. Judge of the court of Probate for the District of Emily now living, Richard Gay a Resident of Emily in said Hartford County aged Eighty one years, who being first duly sworn both on his oath made the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of compulsory labor? June 7. 1932 - That he firsted the Service of the United States under the following name? After that, as he has stated, etc., that he firsted the Service in April 1935. Went to Boston on an alarm with Andrew Kelley Daniel Wilcox & Rudolph Blake. Was home about one week & then home — that he again firsted Service under the name of John Kennedy L. Andrew Kelley & Fifth Bride & Sons Stamford in Kensington Dist. That he firsted for six months, went from home in the month of August 1935. Was there when his home was to Dedham & Dedham. There until he was well enough to leave home which was some time in Nov. of the same year — that he again went into Service under the name of John Kennedy — the name of the first of the two not recalled — went from home in Sept. 1936. Was on a train with his home about the 30. of Dec. in the same year. In this term he was an

I Joshua P. Jewett Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Litchfield Do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original Proceedings of the Court in the matter of the application of Richard Gray for a Pension — In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand Seal of Office this 28 Day of September 1832 — Joshua P. Jewett Clerk
very busy that last night By is Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Newbury. Only afterwards, however, I sworn as such, I have the signature purporting to be his, is genuine. Hanna D. Scott

Westchester, Eastchester, Green Hill & other places in the State of New York — That he again went into said Service under Capt. Noah Phelps — E. Andrew Willey in May — June — July of 1862 — Went from home in July or August 1862. Was on a tour of five weeks — Was at Stamford Fairfield, Peekskill and other places on the Hudson River —
That he again went into Service under Capt. Andrew Willey & served as what they call a "scout" above the Port of 1862 1862 — Was on a tour of five weeks — Was at Peekskill when the British were up the North River, & was there at the time of the Battle of the Hudson — came home the latter part of 1862 in the same year — The further State that he after the lapse of so many years having no writing to show the precise days he went from home into the several tours of duty or when he returned home, but the State as near as he can recollect — The further State that from all the various tours of duty he was regularly & honorably discharged, but has no written discharge to show — That on the times he recollects the officers and men he was a President of Company now deceased, when he has resided during his life — He has no documentary evidence of service as above stated — The further State that every claim whatever for pension or annuity against the present & future State has been

3 None is not in the Pension Roll of any Army of any State — Sworn & tested the Day of Grant of Pension Richard Gray Joab Griffin Judge of Probate
We Jos H. Cornish & Apollo G. Kelley both now residing in Town of Hanby in Hartford County do hereby testify that We are well acquainted with Richard Gray who has Subst d Sworn to the following Declaration that We believe him to be eighty one years of age & that he is reported to be in the neighborhood When he resides I have been a soldier of the Revolution & that We concur in that opinion Sworn & tested the Day of Grant of ————— Joseph Cornish Apollo G. Kelley
And the said Jos H. Cornish & Apollo G. Kelley do hereby certify that the the Revolution of the Mother State putting the destruction front by the War Department, that the above name Apollo G. was a soldier of the Revolution & as he states — of the above has hereby testified that it appears to him that Jos H. Cornish & Apollo G. Kelley are the President of the Town of Hanby and hereby certify that this statement is true & correct Joab Griffin Judge of Probate (See page 17)

State of Connecticut County of Hartford 3 rd
On this 10. day of January 1834 personally appeared in Open Court, before the Court of Probate for the District of Mansfield in the State of Connecticut now sitting Richard Gay a resident of the town of Mansfield in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut aged 83 Years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7. 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
That in the Month of April 1775 he volunteered as a private with Andrew Willson Daniel Dike and Reuben Clark and went to Boston on an alarm was gone from home one week and returned
That on the 8 th day of July 1775 he Enlisted into the Company of Captain Elisha Humphrey. Andrew Willson and Fitch Bipple were Lieutenants and Houghton was Ensign in Col. Huntington's Regiment. He Enlisted by the name of Richard Gay Jr. his father being of the same name. That he marched from Simsbury to Roxbury in Massachusetts. That he served until the 16 th day of December 1775 and was Discharged as fully appears by the Certificate of the Comptroller Phelps hereunto annexed. Having served 8 Months 8 days
That in the month of October 1776 he was Drafted into Lieutenant Seymour's Company of Light Horse. That he marched from Simsbury to West Chester, East Chester, Quaker Hill and to North Castle where the troops were stationed

and was discharged at North Castle the 25 day of December 1776 having served in this Term not up than two months and seven days -
That in the month of July 1777 he was Drafted as a private into the Company of Capt Noah Phelps Lieut Andrew Hillyer in Major Starrs Regiment That he marched from Simsbury to Fishkill Peekskill and other places on the Hudson River and returned to Fishkill and was then discharged the 10th part of September 1777. having served in this Term not up than five weeks
That in the month of September 1777 he volunteered as a private under Captain Andrew Hillyer in a Company of light Horse found his own horse and equipments and marched to Peekskill on the North River was there when Gen Vanglan went up the River with his troops was at Peekskill when Crops was burnt. and was then discharged in the month of October 1777 having served in this Term not up than one month.
That he has no documentary Evidence and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can offer can testify to his service other than the Dispositions here annexed
We hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declare that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State
Seen and subscribed
the day and Year aforesaid
Richard Gay
Isaac Griffin
Judge of Probate

and to the Interrogatories as prescribed by the War Department the Appellant gives the following answers
1. He was born in Simsbury near Granby on the 20. Dec 1750 2. his age is recorded in the family Bible 3. he lived in Simsbury near Granby when called into service, and when he has lived since the Revolutionary war & where he now lives 4. the first and last terms he volunteered the other terms he was drafted 5. he states that he knew Gen Putnam at the North Bridge he knew Gen. Parsons and Gen Spencer 6. Don't recollect of ever receiving a Military Discharge 7. He mentions the names of Apollos S. Hillyer, Apolon Robbins, Theodore Hillyer, Horace Clark and Apollos Bates Esq. as persons who can testify to his character for veracity and their belief of his Revolutionary services known and subscribed The day and Year aforesaid Richard Gay
Isaac Griffin Judge of Probate

16. 673 Richard Gay Connecticut
for 1775 per info from 9 m. 27 days. Pr. Inf y 6 m. 20. $22.22 Pr. Cav y 3 m. 7 13.45 $35.67 \frac{3}{4}
J. R. Jewett Granby. Connect.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Richard Gay
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Apr 1775 7 Pv. 83 Traditions, witnesses   July " 5 8 Pv. Capt Humphrey Col Huntington 60 D. certf of capt.   Oct 1776 2 7 Pv Carg Lt. Soyman   July 1777 1 5 Pv. Capt N. Phelps Maj Starr   Oct 1777 1 5 Pv Carg Capt A. Nillyn   9 27  
P. Can 327 27 6.20
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers :
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important; in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

For
James L Edwards
Con't of
Washin

Richard Gay Jr in Sept 1832 of Granby aged 81 years
He entered the Service in April 1775 On the alarm of the fight at Lexington Mch 19 went with Andrew Hillier, Dan McLean & Reuben Clarke to Boston - absent about one week Ret home & in July Aug 1775 He marched under Capt Elihu Humphrey & Lt Andrew Hillier in Colo Huntington regt to Roxbury Mch & there taken Sick & soon as well enough he was in Nov permitted to go home From Oct 1766 he remained with Lt Seymour about over 2 mos  9 weeks the field officers not recalled moved to Westchester, Quincy  Yonkers Hill R 1766 In July or Aug Sept 1777 he joined Capt Noah Phelps Co in May 5th regt Light  Infantry of Home In a tour of 5 weeks to Fishkill, Poughkeepsie & other places on North river Late in Sept 1777 he served in Capt Andrew Hillier Co Light Home four weeks at Poughkeepsie NY when the British war vessels made an incursion up the river & burned Esopus He resided in Simsbury now Granby when living all his life Heed Vaughn an with troops In Jany 1834 age 83 yrs Born Dec 20 1750

A Old war Div. J. N. P. Ex'r. Richard Gay Revolutionary Soldier From Connecticut
Department of the Interior PENSION OFFICE.
Washington, D.C. November 12, 1884.
Return this letter with your reply.
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 6 th inst. for information of your great grandfather, the above named Richard Gay, you are advised that he was a pensioner, but before furnishing further information of him, it is necessary that you communicate to this Office the object of the enquiry, and what use will be made of the information
Very respectfully
O. P. Clarke
Acty Commissioner
Mr Frank B. Gay Secretary Conn Historical Society Hartford Conn

THE WATKINSON LIBRARY,
Hartford, Conn.,
Nov. 13 1884
Mr. Q.P.S. Clarke Actg. Secy. Sir:
In reply to yours of the 12 th inst, allow me to say that I wish the papers relating to Richard Gay to preserve as family papers; no other use whatever will be made of them, unless I may find something to copy from them in genealogical work. I wish to know when, where and with whom my ancestor served. I know that the Office has given to others similar papers & I trust I may be able to get these. Now will you kindly tell me how I can get them, or what there is that I can copy. Thanking you for prompt reply, I am, Respt. Yours H. B. Gay

Ad 16. 817
THE WATKINSON LIBRARY,
Hartford, Conn.,
Nov. 6 1884
My dear Sir:
My great-grandfather, Richard Gay of "Turkey Hills" parish, in the town of Linsbury or Granby in this state, served as a soldier in the war of the Am. Revolution. He afterwards obtained a pension, at what date I am ignorant.
Now I am anxious to find out if there are in the file room of the pension-office, in your care, or elsewhere, any papers in the nature of dispositions, statements or records bearing on the same Gay or his service in said war.
Will you kindly give me information if there are any such, and also I wish to know how to go to work to get them.
(over)

I must confess to stupidity in not knowing how to approach you or the department with this request, but I trust you will set me right in my efforts
I am, Sir,
Very respectfully
Yours
Frank B. Gay Sec'y & Libr. Ct. Historical Socy & of Watkinson Library
To Maj. Webster Pension Office Washington D.C.

16.817 INVALID.
File No. 16.817
Richard Fay
His Rev. Wm
Act: June 7 th 82
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 427
[Arrangement of 1870.]

No 16,673
Rich d Gay
16 Dec r
of New York to be in the City of New York
Mr. Lewis Granley 6

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Richard Gay which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? yes No See qun 5 VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? no

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? supplied XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? yes If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? no Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? no XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes XVI. † Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? no  Mr See quere 16 XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? no.
 EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer , so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
If claimant served in 1775 it may be shown by rolls in the office of Compt. of Public Accts at Hartford.
The regulation requires the best evidence to be produced of all the services claimed

For Judge Griffin
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Comptrollers Office December 31 st 1833.
I Elisha Phelps, Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Connecticut, do certify, that it appears by the books of the Pay Table that there was charged to Lieut Jeriah Seymour, under date August 19 th 1776, , viz, "To order on Treasurer in account your " company Light Horse to New York $ 56, 0, 0; d that the amount for his company was charged to the United States under Date December 11 th 1777. No roll of this company has been found, or evidence how long it served.
And that there is also charged to the United States under Date September 3 rd 1778, viz, " To order on Treasurer Major Thomas Ball " bounty for his reg t . light horse in service " Aug 1777 $233, 6.8 to do — do in October, 77 " $143, 8. d that the roll of said regiment has not been found, or proof how long it was in service. E Phelps

Sir I cannot find any account of Major Starr or Capt. Phelps service - The Cavalry probably were drafted & served under Major Dull & the whole expense charged as of the troops under him &c E Phelps
SI-

I Roger Moore of Southwick in Hampshire County State of Massachusetts of Lawfull age Depose & say that I am an acquaintance with Richard Gay of Groton in Hampshire County State of Connecticut, & further, I Will know that 1 st Richard Gay was of Springfield, Berkshire, & Pittsfield on a term of about five Weeks under the work Shop in the Year 1777 We Were from home as I think in the latter part of July from home the first part of Sept - the particular Days I cannot now recollect — I Was a Soldier With him & Will knowing both facts above stated — Date at Groton Sept 20. 1832 — Roger Moore
Sworn to and subscribed the day and Year aforesaid before me
Isaac Griffin Judge of Probate
I certify that Roger Moore is a Credible Witness
Isaac Griffin Judge of Probate

I, Joshua D. Scott Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Franklin do hereby certify that Joel Griffin Esq. is Judge of the Court of Probate of this District, and also is Justice of the Peace within the said District in the State of Connecticut - duly appointed, commissioned & sworn & that full Faith & Credit are due from him in Official acts as such Judge & Justice - and that the Signature hereunto subscribed to the same, is his genuine Signature - In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand Seal of Office this 28. Day of Sept. 1832 - Joshua D. Scott Clerk

I Phoebe Kelley of Franky in Hartford County of Connecticut do hereby say that I was acquainted with Phoebe Kelley of Franky, that I was knowing to his going on a tour of duty to Roxbury in the year 1775. I went to Roxbury with a horse for my Brother Phoebe Kelley to ride home & that I was told that Phoebe Kelley was sick or bed-ridden near Boston
Dated in Franky Jan 28. 1832
Witness Joseph Corvick J.D. Smith
Phoebe his X Kelley Mother
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me Jacob Griffin Judge of Probate
I certify that Phoebe Kelley is a candidate for the office of Judge of Probate

I Joshua R. Scott Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Hardy. Do hereby certify that Jacob Griffin Esq. is Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Hardy aforesaid, and is also a Justice of the peace within the County of Hardy in the State of Connecticut, duly appointed, commissioned & sworn - I full faith that he has been sworn to his official oath as such Judge & Justice - and that the signature hereunto annexed to him is his genuine signature. In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand Seal of Office this 28. Day of Sept. 1832 Joshua R. Scott Clerk

Personally appear before the undersigned, a Soldier of the War Within for the County of Hampden in the State of Connecticut Richard Gay of said Who being duly sworn Deposed that that by reason of his age & the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his Service, but according to the best of recollection, he served not less than the Period mentioned, below & in the following grades - viz - in 1775. for one Week as a private " 1775. for five Months & 8 days as a private " 1776. for nine Weeks - as a private " 1777. for five Weeks - as a private " 1779. for four Weeks - as a private
And for such Service I claim a Pension
Subscribed
the day & year above and I believe the same
Richard Gay
We the undersigned & Apollo Gay both now residing in the town of Granby in Hampden County State of Connecticut do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Richard Gay who has subscribed to the foregoing declaration, that we believe him to be eighty three years of age & that he has reported himself in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution & that we concur in that opinion - Second Subscribed the day & year above
Subscribed
the day & year above and
Isaac Griffin
Judge
Chester Hamlin Apollo Gay

And the Court has hereby declared that the investigation of the matter after making the investigation findings by the War Department that the above named Captain was a Revolutionary War Hero as he states - and the Court further certifies that it appears to them that the Herminie Leffler's story who have signed the preceding certificate are both residents of said town of Grady and are credible persons & that the statement is entitled to credit -
Isaac Griffin
Judge of Probate

I Joshua R. Scott Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Grady do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Court in the matter of the application of Richard Gay for a Pension — In testimony whereof — I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of Office this 10. Day of January 1834 — Joshua R. Scott Clerk
I Joshua R. Scott Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Grady do hereby certify that Joel Griffin is Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Grady aforesaid, and is also a Justice of the peace within the said County in the State of Connecticut duly appointed Commissioner, sworn & qualified as such Judge & Justice — and also that the signature hereunto prefixed to the same is his genuine signature — In Witness Whereof — I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of Office this 10. Day of January 1834 — Joshua R. Scott Clerk

Chas. Gray 19
Judge Griffin

Comptroller's Office October 29 th 1833.
I Elisha Phelps, Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Connecticut, do certify, that that it appears by an authenticated copy of the pay roll, of the 4 th Co. of the 8 th Reg. raised by order of the General Assembly of the Colony of Connecticut July 1775, remaining in this Office, that Richard Gay first entered into said company on the 8 th day of July 1775 and served therein as a private until the 16 th day of December 1775, having served therein five months & eight days. Of this company Elisha Humphrey was Capt. Eben F. Bliss 1 st Lt. Andrew Hillyer 2 nd Lt. Samuel Houghton Ens. The regiment was commanded by Col. H. Huntington. E. Phelps

I Joseph Cornish of Granby in Hartford County of lawful age before and say that I have always lived the next door neighbour to Mr Richard Gay it being but a few rods — I well recollect that Mr Gay went into the service several times in the time of the Revolutionary War — in particular that he went to Roxbury on a six months tour in 1775 that he came home sick and continued so until the summer following — I also remember he went several tours into the service afterwards but do not recollect how long at a time.
Granby 28 th Sept 1832 —
Joseph Cornish
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me Isaac Griffin Judge of Probate
I certify that Joseph Cornish was a credible Witness on the 28 th day Sept 1832.
Isaac Griffin Judge of Probate
R

I Joshua D. Scott Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Grady Do hereby certify that Judge Griffin E. is Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Grady, Ohio, and is also Justice of the Peace within New Hampshire County in the State of Connecticut duly appointed Commissioner of Court that full faith be had to him in his official acts as such Judge & Justice - & that the signature hereunto subscribed to him is his true signature In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 28. day of Apr - 1892 Joshua D. Scott Clerk
Richard G. Day Commissioner